Evaluating Efforts to Resettle Internally Displaced Persons:a Case Study of Molo Conflict Area, 1990-2012
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Date
2013Author
Ng’ang’a, Esther K
Type
ThesisLanguage
enMetadata
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Internal displacement is a big problem facing Africa and the world today. This problem has
gained prominence over the refugee problem due to the increase in intra-state conflicts. This
study evaluates the responses made to the internal displacement problem in Kenya and
specifically in Molo conflict area. This includes responses by different actors including the
government, non- governmental organizations (hereafter NGOs), civil society and religious
leaders towards a durable solution to the internal displacement problem in Kenya.
Three main objectives guided this study. The first was to examine resettlement programmes in
Molo conflict area. These were programmes that had been initiated by either the government or
other non-state actors. The second objective of the study was to identify challenges of resettling
IDPs in the area of study. These challenges were classified into those facing IDPs in the postresettlement
period and those challenges that the people and institutions resettling them faced in
the process. The third objective of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the
resettlement programmes.
This study tested three hypotheses. First, that current resettlement practice does not adequately
cater for the internally displaced in Molo district. Second, that failure to adequately tackle the
IDP problem is as a result of the lack of a national IDP policy and thirdly that resettlement
programmes in the area of study have been ineffective.
The study utilized the social contract theoretical framework which gives an understanding on the
responsibility of a government to its citizenry. It, therefore, has a duty to ensure that citizens,
including IDPs, enjoy the right to life, shelter and ownership of property. This study thus
examined ingredients necessary for successful resettlement which is a first step towards durable
peace in Kenya and specifically in the area of study.
The study found out that indeed various resettlement programmes had been initiated in the area
of study. However, it was found that this process had not achieved a durable solution to the IDP
problem. The resettled people continue to face various challenges, for example, lack of a
livelihood. Another finding is that reconciliation between the communities still requires a lot of
intervention. The land issue still poses a major threat. It is hoped that the current constitutional
dispensation and the land reforms envisioned in this environment will address the historical land
problems once and for all.
Citation
Degree In Armed Conflict And Peace Studies At The Department Of History And Archaeology, University Of Nairobi.Publisher
University of Nairobi, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY